By A Ahmed
As we are just a week away from the vitality of 18th May and the commemoration of its celebration, there is ever pressing questions that the rest of the Somalis across the globe are troubled with getting right answers. In raising such legitimate questions, some may find irritating and I apologize, but the intention is aimed at solving the mystery of brothers "Somalilanders". I must however, acknowledge and feel proud of them in achieving the success enjoyed; the peace and security, the rule of law and the tranquility benefitted by not only Somalilanders, but all Somalis. The recent election and the peaceful transfer power to the assumed and the incoming president is felt with proud by all of us regardless of our political difference.
Somali National Movement (SNM)
The founding principles of SNM and its core values were first fighting the injustice inflicted by the military regime. The aim was getting rid of the regime and bringing change to the Somali nation. All SNM fighters who were killed in action had only one motive and aim to achieve; Toppling Siyad Barre’s government and nothing beyond that. SNM was the second major Somali opposition fighting force that was armed by Ethiopia; SSDF is known to have been the first opposition that has fallen out from Siyad Barre’s cradle. USC and SPM have also followed suit to pursue the same goals. All opposition fighters had several objectives to achieve: toppling the regime and to install a power sharing government that stretch from Ras-Kamboni and in the South and to that of Ras Aseyr. Although all Somali opposition groups were mainly from certain tribes, yet every other group kept their core values of being Somalis and never gave a second thought to contemplate another option. The question here why all other groups are indifferent to their set goals, but would be Somalilanders have changed?
Somaliland Inception
In May 18th the year of 1991 elders and politicians gathered and announced their withdrawal from the rest of Somalia. The main reason based on that decision were mainly two things; the fact that the rest of Somalia descended into chaos and there were not an immediate solution viable at the time, and secondly reclaiming its historical colonial era that has divided Somalia into five portions. The Southern parts from Somalia were busy in fighting as new aggressive militias continue to rife and torment citizens. Millions left the country and sought refuge in the neighboring countries while thousands perished. Somalis always kept their thought that one day things will settle down and law and order will resume and we are still hopeful Insha Allah.
The inception and declaration of Somaliland become controversial in the Somali intellectuals that could not comprehend why Somali fellow wants to leave brotherhood and at the same time appease common enemy; Ethiopia. The tribes living in the North West of Somalia have never agreed to abandon their nation for good. There are strong feelings among many residents towards Somalism and rejection of isolation. The evidence is visible and is on the increase. The SSC and the Awdal State declaration are two good examples. Without these two main swathes and its respective residents on board, Somaliland is euphemism of one tribe "Isxaaq". This family is dominating the rest and it wants to speak on behalf of the all by calling international recognition of Somaliland while they ignore internal recognition of other tribes and their grievances.
Justice and Freedom
Although freedom and equality before the law is two basic tenets of all progressive nations, Somaliland case is questionable. There is no freedom for anyone in Somaliland to question the viability of Somaliland and the need for staying with the rest of Somalia. There are well-known cases where individuals were imprisoned and intimidated by their belief of greater Somalia. As far as I know no Somaliland newspaper can publish any opposing article to the cause of Somaliland. What happened in Galalshe and how the media covered is mere example of the psyche of Somaliland. The disproportion force used against country fellow kin men showed how ill thought the system is. The SSC residents will undoubtedly accuse Somaliland of being a tribe politics that seeks to eradicate another Somali tribe.
The SSC issue is standing and it is not easily fading away. It is legitimate and they have genuine concerns. Sool, Sanaag and Cayn were all part of what is formerly known Somaliland. These three region inhabitants are loudly rejecting Somaliland agenda and their search of an international recognition. Awdal region residents are known to be against Somaliland withdrawal from the rest of Somalia. Prof. Samater is from Awdal region of Somaliland and he is a victim of his view on Somaliland. Ask anyone from Somaliland his/her feelings towards Samatar and what will happen if he tempts to set foot in Somaliland.
Somaliland officials vitiate anyone who is seen to opposing their goal like Samar. Their vitality is spent on searching recognition whilst ignoring an outcry from back home. People with genuine concern and issues are ignored and overlooked.
Conclusion
The Pseudo patriot of Somaliland is an artificial and will not be viable state for many reasons. All inhabitants of North West of Somalia cannot agree if they are asked to vote. International community has made clear that Somalia need no more divisions. IGAD and AU will never attempt to event consider pondering such issues as its taboo among them. Ethiopia who is the closest ally of Somaliland wants to have its suzerain statehood over Somalia and will never endanger that. Kenya and Ethiopia occupy portions of Somalia and we will never forget to reclaim when the time is right. Somalis everywhere are happy about every appraisable step achieved by Somaliland, but will automatically disassociate any claim to secede from the rest of Somalia
The Author Abdirahman Ahmed can be reached at Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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written by Djibouti, May 25, 2011
A well receptive analysis of the Situation, well done :thumps up: .
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written by malez hari, May 25, 2011
how about talk about the fact that daroods destroyed somalia and ogadens were looting hargaysa,burco and berbera will their brother siyad barre.this artical just shows the stupidity of darood and their jealousy.
plus onlf are week terrorists
plus onlf are week terrorists
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written by Somali patriot, May 25, 2011
Mr Malez, what ONLF has to do witth this article or darod in that matter. I guess you don't have the intellectual capacity to understand about this article.
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written by Issa, May 25, 2011
Jealousy and smearing will not get the writer of this article anywhere. Somaliland have shown whtat it deserves to the international community and will not listen to punch pf terrorists who want to undermine peace in the Horn of Africa. Whether you like it or nor, Somaliland will soon get the international recognition it wants. The brotherhood you talk about has long been burried in the sand you looter.
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written by Aliyusuf, May 25, 2011
Hi brother Ahmed your article is judicious for those who don't know much about the recent disheartening history of Somalis people in general and the young Somali generations. But those who avidly know such dreadful history, only reading between the lines of the first two paragraph of your article is enough. Having said that,
Do you have a solutions of your own? We Somalilanders or as you put it, Isaaq have tried so hard to see a greater Somalia for almost 30 years but unfortunately we were failed by those who don't see it that way. Now resigned from that mind set and mind our own business called Somaliland and we want to live peace with everybody in the region included the great Ethiopia. I think the best thing for you now is to focus your region(ogadenia) and hope all the best for the rest former Somali republic and not make things worse then its now. this a kind advice, i believe..
Do you have a solutions of your own? We Somalilanders or as you put it, Isaaq have tried so hard to see a greater Somalia for almost 30 years but unfortunately we were failed by those who don't see it that way. Now resigned from that mind set and mind our own business called Somaliland and we want to live peace with everybody in the region included the great Ethiopia. I think the best thing for you now is to focus your region(ogadenia) and hope all the best for the rest former Somali republic and not make things worse then its now. this a kind advice, i believe..
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written by Mohamed, May 25, 2011
The admiration you have shown is only to turn the eye while you dig the knife deep in the wond. What was the couse of setting up SNM? SNM was established in the end of the 70's. Prior to that what did ISAQ do to be treated the way they were treated by the government and the Darood. Is it not you talk about tribe? Or is it not relevent. You people talk about Somali people and how it is important and cry about it. Yet you do not practice that Somalisiem, why?
What happenend in northen cities of Isaqq in particuler to the people of Isaqq? what do you call it? Why Samater is in court in the USA?
Wallahi, there will be no Somalia or unity untill people admit what they did.
SSC and Awadel is not happining. They need to admit they signed the 90's agreement and for tribel reason they some of them know retreting. They need to be Men enough to admit they were wrong about Somalialnd. SNM had brave men of Awdel tribe, we know them we let one who was part of the old regim to rule us (Isaq) for 8 years and we did not complain. Why know? Somliland is for all the tribe who leave in it, those who want SOmaliwayn let them go and sort it out.
Will Puntland allow others to be the ruler? Warsangali!!!!!!????????????
What happenend in northen cities of Isaqq in particuler to the people of Isaqq? what do you call it? Why Samater is in court in the USA?
Wallahi, there will be no Somalia or unity untill people admit what they did.
SSC and Awadel is not happining. They need to admit they signed the 90's agreement and for tribel reason they some of them know retreting. They need to be Men enough to admit they were wrong about Somalialnd. SNM had brave men of Awdel tribe, we know them we let one who was part of the old regim to rule us (Isaq) for 8 years and we did not complain. Why know? Somliland is for all the tribe who leave in it, those who want SOmaliwayn let them go and sort it out.
Will Puntland allow others to be the ruler? Warsangali!!!!!!????????????
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written by Cimran cagoole, May 25, 2011
Hey bros,
We tried Somaliweyn crab got nothing but death and destruction. You remember that crab when it suits you. I don't think we will be fooled again by that. It didn't work for us when our kids needed their Somali brothers. The rest of Somalia is busy in my mind in how to accomplish the destruction and the eradication of Somalilanders. The militry rulers of yesterday were Daarood in all its Parts. From Samater, Siyad, Gaani, Morgan, inaDaffleh and the Ogaden. all of them had one aim ... Eradicate the Isaaqiis. And this is the result of that. So bros never again we will let you do that again.
We tried Somaliweyn crab got nothing but death and destruction. You remember that crab when it suits you. I don't think we will be fooled again by that. It didn't work for us when our kids needed their Somali brothers. The rest of Somalia is busy in my mind in how to accomplish the destruction and the eradication of Somalilanders. The militry rulers of yesterday were Daarood in all its Parts. From Samater, Siyad, Gaani, Morgan, inaDaffleh and the Ogaden. all of them had one aim ... Eradicate the Isaaqiis. And this is the result of that. So bros never again we will let you do that again.
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written by Cimran cagoole, May 25, 2011
Hey bros,
We tried Somaliweyn crab got nothing but death and destruction. You remember that crab when it suits you. I don't think we will be fooled again by that. It didn't work for us when our kids needed their Somali brothers. The rest of Somalia is busy in my mind in how to accomplish the destruction and the eradication of Somalilanders. The militry rulers of yesterday were Daarood in all its Parts. From Samater, Siyad, Gaani, Morgan, inaDaffleh and the Ogaden. all of them had one aim ... Eradicate the Isaaqiis. And this is the result of that. So bros never again we will let you do that again.
We tried Somaliweyn crab got nothing but death and destruction. You remember that crab when it suits you. I don't think we will be fooled again by that. It didn't work for us when our kids needed their Somali brothers. The rest of Somalia is busy in my mind in how to accomplish the destruction and the eradication of Somalilanders. The militry rulers of yesterday were Daarood in all its Parts. From Samater, Siyad, Gaani, Morgan, inaDaffleh and the Ogaden. all of them had one aim ... Eradicate the Isaaqiis. And this is the result of that. So bros never again we will let you do that again.
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written by Dr. h Abdillahi, May 25, 2011
Somaliland Patriotism is real
Dear Ahmed there is no mystery to be solved about being a Somalilander. The Facts speak for themselves. Somalilanders can forgive but not forget. Let me begin with your first paragraph titled: Somali National Movement (SNM)
It is true when SNM was proclaimed the goal was to get rid of Barre’s regime.
But why don’t you write about the atrocities that your regime (Darood) was committing to the poor citizens of Somaliland after the formation of SNM. Why were the Isaaqs singled out by the regime?
Somaliland Inception
The reasons you are giving for the re-birth of the republic of Somaliland on the 18th of May 1991 are pure fabricated lies. First let’s go back to the history of decolonisation. Somaliland was the first country inhabited by Somalis, in Africa, that got its independence on June 26 1960. They demanded to be independent from Britain to join the citizens of Somali (Italian Somalia) to form the Somali republic. Somaliland was independent State recognised by 35 UN member states. It was a choice made by the people of Somaliland. The politicians in the South led by the Daroods did not appreciate that. They manipulated all mischievous tactics to destroy the loving people of Somaliland whose dream was a greater Somalia. The cracks in the Union were visible when the Somaliland population totally rejected the referendum a year later. The military coup that failed that was organized by the Somaliland military officers was also indication of the grievances of these people. The courts that wanted to prosecute these officers could not be tried in Somali courts because the Union Act was never signed!!
The declaration of the re-birth of Somaliland in Burao on the 18th May of 1991 was signed by all clans in Somaliland was based on the following:
-After the defeat of the Somali Republic army the citizens of Somaliland wanted to forgive each other what happened during the past years. As everybody knows the Isaaq clan (including certain elements of other clans) was the victims of the previous regime. The minority clans who worked with the former regimes were forgiven for what ever they did and ALL SOMALILANDERS agreed to build their country from the ashes. The Southerners were fighting for power.
-When the Darood regime bombarded the citizens of Hargeisa and Burao with artillery and planes they had no place to go. 50,000 poor people were slaughtered. As a result 500,000 refugees landed in Ethiopia.
-May I ask you this question when you claim you are a brother? Escaping the atrocities of your own government and being given refuge in a foreign country (this being Ethiopia) can you tell me who the enemy is here?
-Who cares what the Somali Intellectuals think. The citizens of Somaliland of which 75% are younger then 30 don’t even know what Somalia is. The citizens of Somaliland have made life 100% better compared to the last regime. I can give the static’s but for now this is enough.
The minority groups in Somaliland have better presentation in government then in any African country. The former President Kahin is an Awdalite.
Conclusion
Somaliland is a viable state and that has been proved to everyone who is a realist. KOSOVO has become independent with 55% of the population voting to be independent. If a referendum is organised today in Somaliland (respecting colonial borders) according to the AU charter I can assure you the percentage would be above 90%.
Somaliland joined the union for greater Somalia. Today NFD is part and parcel of Kenya; Reserve and Houd area is part and parcel of Ethiopia as the Somali region (Kililka 5). Djibouti is an independent state. These countries will never be part of the Blue 5-star flag
The AU mission to Somaliland in 2005 has tabled this question to the organisation as an exceptional case. Believe me it is. Somaliland patriotism is not pseudo. May I remind you without Somaliland joining the ex-italian colony there would have never been the Somali Republic.
This is not a question of seceding but a divorce case. Somaliland has just divorced itself from the ex-Somali Republic. I hope you can live with it. Somaliland is gone for ever whether you like it or not.
Dear Ahmed there is no mystery to be solved about being a Somalilander. The Facts speak for themselves. Somalilanders can forgive but not forget. Let me begin with your first paragraph titled: Somali National Movement (SNM)
It is true when SNM was proclaimed the goal was to get rid of Barre’s regime.
But why don’t you write about the atrocities that your regime (Darood) was committing to the poor citizens of Somaliland after the formation of SNM. Why were the Isaaqs singled out by the regime?
Somaliland Inception
The reasons you are giving for the re-birth of the republic of Somaliland on the 18th of May 1991 are pure fabricated lies. First let’s go back to the history of decolonisation. Somaliland was the first country inhabited by Somalis, in Africa, that got its independence on June 26 1960. They demanded to be independent from Britain to join the citizens of Somali (Italian Somalia) to form the Somali republic. Somaliland was independent State recognised by 35 UN member states. It was a choice made by the people of Somaliland. The politicians in the South led by the Daroods did not appreciate that. They manipulated all mischievous tactics to destroy the loving people of Somaliland whose dream was a greater Somalia. The cracks in the Union were visible when the Somaliland population totally rejected the referendum a year later. The military coup that failed that was organized by the Somaliland military officers was also indication of the grievances of these people. The courts that wanted to prosecute these officers could not be tried in Somali courts because the Union Act was never signed!!
The declaration of the re-birth of Somaliland in Burao on the 18th May of 1991 was signed by all clans in Somaliland was based on the following:
-After the defeat of the Somali Republic army the citizens of Somaliland wanted to forgive each other what happened during the past years. As everybody knows the Isaaq clan (including certain elements of other clans) was the victims of the previous regime. The minority clans who worked with the former regimes were forgiven for what ever they did and ALL SOMALILANDERS agreed to build their country from the ashes. The Southerners were fighting for power.
-When the Darood regime bombarded the citizens of Hargeisa and Burao with artillery and planes they had no place to go. 50,000 poor people were slaughtered. As a result 500,000 refugees landed in Ethiopia.
-May I ask you this question when you claim you are a brother? Escaping the atrocities of your own government and being given refuge in a foreign country (this being Ethiopia) can you tell me who the enemy is here?
-Who cares what the Somali Intellectuals think. The citizens of Somaliland of which 75% are younger then 30 don’t even know what Somalia is. The citizens of Somaliland have made life 100% better compared to the last regime. I can give the static’s but for now this is enough.
The minority groups in Somaliland have better presentation in government then in any African country. The former President Kahin is an Awdalite.
Conclusion
Somaliland is a viable state and that has been proved to everyone who is a realist. KOSOVO has become independent with 55% of the population voting to be independent. If a referendum is organised today in Somaliland (respecting colonial borders) according to the AU charter I can assure you the percentage would be above 90%.
Somaliland joined the union for greater Somalia. Today NFD is part and parcel of Kenya; Reserve and Houd area is part and parcel of Ethiopia as the Somali region (Kililka 5). Djibouti is an independent state. These countries will never be part of the Blue 5-star flag
The AU mission to Somaliland in 2005 has tabled this question to the organisation as an exceptional case. Believe me it is. Somaliland patriotism is not pseudo. May I remind you without Somaliland joining the ex-italian colony there would have never been the Somali Republic.
This is not a question of seceding but a divorce case. Somaliland has just divorced itself from the ex-Somali Republic. I hope you can live with it. Somaliland is gone for ever whether you like it or not.
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written by Giireh, May 26, 2011
I have only good things to say about the Somalilanders and their people. I think it is high time to acknowledge as you did Mr Ahmed that we Southern Somalis should be proud of their achievement and take a leave out of their book. Whenever I visit Somaliland I am amazed the improvement they made, if I compare to my Mogadishu which is basically inhabitable for the foreseeable future.
I also think your article started well but as we all somali are trube minded you could not resist to have a dig on the Isaak clan. In particular your mentioning of the SSC and the Awdal state was not fear. For the SSC their problem is Dhulbahante's problem they do need to decide where to go.
As for the Awdal state, you should not be mentioning it at all, because the Awdalis are true Somalilanders. They can just say we are not part of this, just when their son lost the last election. Those who coined the term does not even life in the counter and are a group not more then 10-5 people.
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written by Ogaden, May 26, 2011
bro i think you did great work. All you did is point out what the movement was about when it started and what the main goal was, and it seems though everyone agree with what you said. but i don't understand is why are the people in somaliland acting like they are the only one's who are affected by the troubles in somali. Every tribe has lost thousand of men and women in last 20 to 30 years. All i am saying is don't forget what happen to your people, but if you want to move forward your gona have to forgive for the greater goal. YOU NEED SOMALIA MORE THAN SOMALIA NEED YOU AND THAT IS FOR SURE
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written by A Hassan, May 26, 2011
If they only could see the reality, it would good for them. Lots of energy spent on whiteman's satisfaction i.e. to get so called recognition. Ahmed brought the point home in a intelectual manner, forget tribe x, y and z the fact of the matter is Sland willnever see the light of the day. self intertainig groups have to choices accept your faith in Honourable Somalia or perish.
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written by Nasrudiin, May 26, 2011
You Somalis leave Somaliland alone and mind your own business, they have the right to determine their future.
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written by Giire, May 26, 2011
Why are we so negative about Somaliland and it's separation. It is only up to them if they decide to leave the union or if they decide to stay. Why are we so hateful about the Somaliland people? Is this a campaign driven by some sections of the Somali society, i.e. the people in the middle regions of Somalia? I think for those of us from the Mogadishu area are more acceptable to the succession of Somaliland. We have no hidden agenda and we welcome a separate Somalia. I do not think Somaliland should be imprisoned to the Somali situation.
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written by Somaliland patriot, May 27, 2011
Why are ONLF supporters against the existence of Somaliland? I mean if you are in struggle against Ethiopia don't you want all Somalis in Djibouti, Somaliland, Somalia to support you?. How can you expect me to support your cause if you are denying mine? Why is that in 2011 you have the same mentality as Cali Dhuux said 100 years ago. You looted my cities, you elites where part and parcel of the MOD regime that massacred my people, yet you still want to deny their rights while you want Somalis to support you cause.
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written by difaac, May 30, 2011
Asc... dear Somali brothers, I am sure all of you are somalies, and every one of you has some thing to say !!!!!
Every one of you is right!! and wrote about the trurh that happened in the past,but the question is... can we stop hate and hatred between us? can we solve our problems together? can we unite?can we for get about the past?..coz every one has some bad memories wich is tribal related,can we stop tribalism?can we stop together those spreading hate and crime,division and distruction, tribalism and so forth.if we can succeed to stop all that then we can succeed in every thing else.
to conclude may allah unite all somalies and guide them to the right path...may allah help them....aamiiin.
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Every one of you is right!! and wrote about the trurh that happened in the past,but the question is... can we stop hate and hatred between us? can we solve our problems together? can we unite?can we for get about the past?..coz every one has some bad memories wich is tribal related,can we stop tribalism?can we stop together those spreading hate and crime,division and distruction, tribalism and so forth.if we can succeed to stop all that then we can succeed in every thing else.
to conclude may allah unite all somalies and guide them to the right path...may allah help them....aamiiin.
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written by Hassan, August 12, 2011
people of Somaliland are peaceful, educated and united and most of them have now decided to got it alone, when you get to their level then please start discussing their affairs in the meantime, you have a lot of home work to do. Can also say that I am from Ogaden, I was born a refugee under meles, my mother was born a refugee under mangestu, her mother was born a refugee under Sellase. I think the time has come to change our mind set and stop ignorance that is driving us that only knows how to fight when even we are the weaker. Look at your websites, rallies, meetings, songs one minute we are singing lets fight them and the next minute we cry genocide. Sometimes I really wish i was born else where because your collective mentality is really misguided
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written by Christian Louboutin Wedges, February 24, 2012
A new Yesterday evening, nantong university hospital maternity ward, a healthy baby born, to a few days to immersed in a very sad old captain of the FanShuRen family brought a festive. A boy, and he is in Nigeria and heroic struggle against pirates who FanShuRen old captain's grandson. Let a person unfortunately, lifetime love sailing for the family business, living and work the hustle and bustle of LaoFan, but can't see the lovely grandchild......
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Better to be displayed, don't crisis; Better to AIR MAX 97
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AIR MAX BW
be "no perfect" reform, don't reform of the crisis. A long-term ruling a great party, especially to keep a wary eye on short-term behavior damage ruling foundation,
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